Original Article

Year : 2021 | Volume : 6 | Issue : 1 | Page : 50-54

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Students: A Questionnaire Survey

S. Geethika, N. Sharada1

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University,

Abstract

Introduction:

The most important causes of this disorder can be awkward postures, repetitive and rapid movements, excessive force, psychological factors, and genetic and generally inappropriate body condition. Damage or injury can be defined as a disorder of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues). The symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) increase with the number of years of practice. The prevention and reduction of MSDs among dentists should include their knowledge in dental ergonomics and awareness regarding the importance of work-related risk factors. This study aimed to identify risk factors for MSDs among dentists and identify its effective risk factors, in order to reduce musculoskeletal problems, and is designed to improve the work environment.

Materials and Methods:

The target population of this investigation was the students of dental school. A sample of 300 questionnaires were distributed. To determine the prevalence of MSDs, the questionnaire was prepared. The questionnaire assessed the MSDs, pain in different organs of the body. Finally, the results are evaluated in percentage.

Results:

Out of 300 questionnaires distributed, the female prevalence was higher. Eighty-six percent of the people do not do physical exercise daily. Seventy-one percent of the dental students take rest after each patient, 15% take rest once an hour, and 13% of the students never take rest at all. Ninety‐five percent of the dental students involve frequent bending of elbows and joints. Ninety-one percent of them feel some kind of musculoskeletal discomfort in the body and other 9% are free from it. Most discomfort is felt in the neck region that is 41% and 23% in one or both elbows, 15% in one or both shoulders, and 20% in back/spine. Sixty‐six percent of the students feel the pain most of the time and 22% always and 11% at times. Fifty percent of the students follow periodic stretching and breaks as the pain relief strategy. Thirty-six percent follow postural awareness strategy and 13% follow strengthening exercises.

Conclusion:

Therefore, dentists should implement right ergonomic designs in their dental clinics along with doing regular exercise and relaxation techniques, which help them to combat stress, thus improving the quality of life and resulting in consistent long‐lasting work efficiency of the dentists.

Keywords: Dentists, long-lasting work, musculoskeletal, occupational, pain

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Geethika S, Sharada N, Mahathi N. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental students: A questionnaire survey. Int J Soc Rehab 2021;6:50-4.